US weighs short, powerful strikes on Iran to break talks deadlock: Report

US Central Command is preparing targeted strikes on Iranian infrastructure to push Tehran back to negotiations, while Trump vows to continue the naval blockade until a peace agreement is reached.

In Short

• Axios said Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
• Sources said CENTCOM drafted a short, powerful strike plan targeting infrastructure
• The proposed military action is intended to break the diplomatic deadlock

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes aimed at breaking the deadlock in US-Iran negotiations and pushing Tehran back to talks, while President Donald Trump said the naval blockade on Iran will continue until a peace deal is reached.

According to an Axios report, sources believe that the planned strikes are expected to target Iranian infrastructure. At the same time, sources familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump is set to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action in Iran.

The preparations by CENTCOM come alongside Trump’s reported decision to continue with the naval blockade for now as a way to increase pressure on Iran. The report said Trump is rejecting an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz, where the US has maintained the blockade.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump posted an image on social media showing himself holding a gun, along with the words ‘no more Mr Nice Guy’.

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